The case for Bryce Harper to join Detroit Tigers. No, really

Gabe Lacques USA TODAY Published 12:43 PM EST Dec 7, 2018 Bryce Harper, a National League MVP at 23, is a free agent at 26, peddling his services in an industry that’s grown to nearly $11 billion in annual revenues. His combination of skills, age and marketing cachet make him an excellent fit for any major league franchise. Even the Detroit Tigers. Harper, who has 184 career home runs and a lifetime .900 OPS, rejected a 10-year, $300 million contract offer from the Washington Nationals in September, and is a good bet to set a new standard for the most lucrative contract in North American sports history. It may take weeks for that process to play out. In the meantime, USA TODAY Sports will examine why every team could use Harper’s services – some more than others, certainly some better-equipped to procure them. A case for Harper and the Tigers joining forces: On the field Of all the – pick one – rebuilders/tankers/re-toolers out there, perhaps no franchise entered the process more earnestly than the Tigers. It was a helluva run: Four consecutive division titles driven by a pair of future Hall of Famers and an owner who never hesitated to scratch a check and keep hope alive in Motown. After nine seasons with just one losing campaign, the decision to kick-start a rebuild in the summer of 2017 was organic and proper. Now, after consecutive 98-loss seasons, the Tigers face a decision other clubs have grappled with: How long… [Read full story]